In support of Amendment No. 8

Tuesday

Oct 26, 2010 at 9:12 AM

On Nov. 2, Louisianans will go to the polls to select both federal and local officials. Ten amendments to the Louisiana Constitution are also on that ballot.One of those propositions, Amendment No. 8, will help local governments rehabilitate and return blighted properties to commerce.It removes the “right of first refusal” requirement for redeveloping blighted properties. Current law states that if a property has been held by the same owner for 30 years or less, it must be offered back to the owner before a governmental entity can expropriate it for health and safety reasons.Because of this, many dangerously dilapidated buildings across the state sit and continue to deteriorate, providing a breeding ground for rats, mosquitoes and crime.It is an affront to both your property values and your quality of life. The current requirement ties the hands of local redevelopment authorities.Blight is a major public health and quality-of-life issue in communities across our state.While post-Katrina New Orleans has the worst blight problem in the country with 55,000 blighted properties, this issue affects us all. Fundamental property rights will remain protected with this amendment. Please think of the vacant, blighted properties in your neighborhood and vote for Amendment 8.Mitch LandrieuMayor, New Orleans